OXFORD’S newest and biggest Neighbourhood Watch scheme has vowed to tackle rising crime in its community.

People living in the Iffley Fields area had become so fed up with burglaries, bike thefts and car crime they decided to take matters into their own hands.

Now a Neighbourhood Watch scheme covering 450 households and 10 streets has been launched.

Dr Amar Latif, of Warwick Street, who is coordinator of a 15-strong team, said that until now, the biggest scheme in the city had covered just 70 homes.

He said he felt something needed to be done, after falling victim to car crime himself.

He said: “My car was scratched along its side along the entire length. Unfortunately there has been a real rise in burglaries, bike thefts and car crime in the area over the past six months or so, and we all felt that something needed to be done to fight back.

“We have therefore launched the biggest and most ambitious scheme of its kind in Oxford.

“We all acknowledge that crime in this part of the city still remains relatively low compared to other areas, but with the economic downturn, the situation is likely to get worse over the coming months.

“That’s why we all felt it was imperative to have a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.”

“It’s great to see so many neighbours come together in support of the scheme and we’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of volunteers who have put themselves forward.

“It’s good to see that good neighbourliness is still alive and kicking among our community.

“We’re also grateful to the police for their help in launching this.”

There has been a significant increase in crime in the area over the past year.

Burglaries have risen from 55 to 87, bike thefts have remained a problem and car crime has also risen.

The number of thefts from vehicles is also on the rise.

A spokesman for the Iffley Fields neighbourhood police team said: “East Oxford is fortunate to have a number of very active community groups, including neighbourhood watch and residents’ associations.

“If you are keen to be involved and help your community and the police tackle crime, then please let us know and we can get you involved.”